At a time when the fourth industrial revolution is expected to create numerous new job opportunities in African countries, there is a growing need for professionals equipped with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills in Kenya. In this context, girls' access to and engagement with STEM fields is more crucial than ever, especially because gender bias inhibits their equal participation. Girls continue to be significantly underrepresented in these sectors in Kenya and it is critical to harness their potential so that they can pursue STEM streams in education as well as professional domains.
On the International Day of Education (January 24), Nguvu Change Leader Mercy Mwende has amplified these issues and intensified her advocacy for increased representation of Kenyan women in STEM careers. She calls out the prevailing gender stereotypes that hinder girls and affect the quality of their education and training in STEM fields and says, "I have always aspired to become an automotive engineer and worked hard to secure admission to a university. However, obtaining even an internship proved to be a challenging task. Every company I approached turned me down, while my male counterparts were readily accepted."
She also highlighted the decline in women's participation in global STEM occupations citing the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 released by the World Economic Forum. According to the report, women constitute only 29.2% of all STEM workers.“Women and girls in STEM encounter constant pressure and resistance in male-dominated fields, and due to a lack of role models, their dream of a career in the STEM fields is constantly at the risk of fading away," adds Mwende.
She has also launched an online petition urging the Ministry of Gender, the Ministry of Social Labour, the National Assembly, and the Public Service Board to establish a fully financed board to help increase employment opportunities for women and girls in STEM in Kenya.
Mwende believes that without addressing the fundamental issues affecting girls' education and training in this sector, the gender gap in STEM will continue to grow. As she says, "The future generations of women and girls should not miss the opportunity of joining future forward careers."
